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The convergence of Thailand's 'Look West' & India's 'Act East' policy lights the path to a bright future of our partnership: PM

Published By : Admin | June 17, 2016 | 14:27 IST
QuoteFrom the Legend of Rama to the Wisdom of Buddha our (India and Thailand) ties are founded on a shared cultural heritage: PM Modi
QuoteThailand is a trusted and valued friend, and one of our closest partners in Southeast Asia: Prime Minister
QuoteRapid spread of terrorism and radical ideology poses a common challenge to both our societies (India and Thailand): PM
QuoteBeyond terrorism, we have agreed to deepen engagement in cyber security and several other key areas: PM
QuoteWe welcome the first meeting of the India-Thailand Joint Business Forum: PM Modi
QuoteWe have prioritized completion of India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral highway: PM
QuoteConnectivity is priority for India’s development. Improving access to Southeast Asia from our Northeast benefits both our peoples: PM

You Excellency Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha Ladies and Gentlemen

It is a great pleasure to welcome you to India.

Your visit is a high point in our top-level political exchanges.

You come from a land that is very familiar to us.

From the Legend of Rama to the Wisdom of Buddha our ties are founded on a shared cultural heritage. Our historical people-to-people ties provide a strong basis to our partnership.

Thailand is a trusted and valued friend, and one of our closest partners in Southeast Asia.

Friends,

Today, Prime Minister and I reviewed the full range of our bilateral engagement:

From culture to commerce;

From closer contacts between our peoples to deeper connectivity; and From counter-terrorism to defence and security.

We are both aware that rapid spread of terrorism and radical ideology poses a common challenge to both our societies.

And, we also recognize that our close security partnership would help us to secure our peoples from these threats.

In our shared objective to combat these challenges, India is particularly grateful to Thailand for its assistance and cooperation.

Beyond terrorism, we have agreed to further deepen our security engagement in the fields of cyber security, narcotics, transnational economic offenses and human trafficking.

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Friends,

The land frontiers of our two countries are not far apart.

And, we are also maritime neighbours.

So, Prime Minister and I have agreed to forge a closer partnership in the fields of defence and maritime cooperation.

A partnership to meet our bilateral interests ; and to respond to our shared regional goals.

And a partnership, which will be shaped by:

Sharing of expertise and experiences;

Greater staff exchanges and more exercises;

Cooperation on counter-piracy on seas;

Deeper engagement in naval patrolling; and Building linkages in the field of defence R&D and production.

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Friends,

Trade and commerce flows are an important lifeline of the interdependent world today.

Excellency and I agree that a more diversified commercial engagement between us would not only benefit both our economies. It would also enable greater regional economic prosperity.

In this context, we welcome the first meeting of the India-Thailand Joint Business Forum to be held later today. We encourage them, and the other business-sector stakeholders, to take lead in tapping the emerging business opportunities in both our countries.

Alongside trade, there are also ample avenues for greater manufacturing and investment linkages.

We see a particular synergy between Thai strengths in infrastructure, particularly tourism infrastructure, and India's priorities in this field.

Information Technology, pharmaceuticals, auto-components, and machinery are some other areas of promising collaboration.

We also see early conclusion of a balanced Comprehensive Economic and Partnership Agreement as our shared priority.

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Friends,

Prime Minister and I are fully aware that smooth flow of goods, services, capital and human resources between our economies needs a strong network of air, land and sea links.

We have, therefore, prioritized completion of India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral highway; and early signing of the Motor Vehicles Agreement between our three countries.

Connectivity is also an area of priority for India’s development.

Improving access to Southeast Asia from our Northeastern States benefits both our peoples.

Friends,

Stronger connectivity is essential not just for expanding bilateral trade ties. It also brings our people closer and facilitates enhanced science, education, culture and tourism cooperation.

Next year, to commemorate the seventy years of establishment of our diplomatic relations, we will celebrate Festival of India in Thailand, and Festival of Thailand in India.

This year, India is also celebrating one hundred and twenty-fifth birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of Indian Constitution.

I am delighted that the Indian Constitution will soon be translated into Thai language.

I am also happy to announce that to welcome more tourists from Thailand to India, and to help them enjoy their visits to Buddhist sites in India, we will soon facilitate double entry e-tourist visas for citizens of Thailand.

Excellency,

India has always deeply appreciated the warmth and affection of the Royal Family of Thailand for India.

Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn has been a frequent and very welcome visitor to India.

We look forward to welcoming her in India again later this year.

We also look forward to the honour of receiving His Royal Highness Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn in India at his earliest convenience.

In conclusion, let me say that the convergence of Thailand's 'Look West', and India's 'Act East' policy lights the path to a bright future of our partnership.

Excellency, let me once again welcome you and your delegation to India.

Thank you.

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We shall work together to shape Cyprus’s “Vision 2035” and our vision of a “Viksit Bharat 2047": PM Modi
June 18, 2025

Your Excellency, Honourable President,
Distinguished delegates from both nations,
Friends from the media,

Namaskar!
Kalimera!

At the very outset, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Honourable President for the warm welcome and gracious hospitality. Since the moment I set foot on the soil of Cyprus yesterday, the warmth and affection shown by the President and the people of this country have truly touched my heart.

A short while ago, I was conferred with a prestigious honour by Cyprus. This accolade is not mine alone — it is a tribute to the 140 crore Indians. It symbolises the enduring friendship between India and Cyprus. I express my sincere thanks, once again, for this honour.

Friends,

We attach great importance to our relations with Cyprus. Our shared commitment to values such as democracy and the rule of law forms the strong foundation of our partnership. The friendship between India and Cyprus is not one that has emerged out of circumstances, nor is it confined by borders.

It has withstood the test of time, again and again. In every era, we have upheld the spirit of cooperation, respect and mutual support. We honour each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Friends,

This visit marks the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Cyprus in over two decades. It presents a golden opportunity to script a new chapter in our bilateral relations. Today, the Honourable President and I held extensive discussions on all aspects of our partnership.

There are many similarities between Cyprus’s “Vision 2035” and our vision of a “Viksit Bharat 2047”. Therefore, we shall work together to shape our shared future. To provide strategic direction to our partnership, we will develop a concrete roadmap for the next five years.

To further strengthen our defence and security cooperation, the bilateral Defence Cooperation Programme will focus on defence industry collaboration. Separate dialogues will be initiated on cyber and maritime security.

We are deeply grateful to Cyprus for its consistent support of Bharat's fight against cross-border terrorism. To combat terrorism, drug trafficking and arms smuggling, a mechanism will be established for real-time information exchange between our respective agencies. We both agree that there is immense potential in enhancing bilateral trade and investment.

Yesterday, during my interaction with the Honourable President, I sensed great enthusiasm and synergy within the business community regarding our economic ties. We are working towards concluding a mutually beneficial India-EU Free Trade Agreement by the end of the year.

This year, the “India-Cyprus-Greece Business and Investment Council” has also been launched. Such initiatives will boost bilateral trade and investment between our countries.

We also held detailed discussions on expanding cooperation in areas such as technology, innovation, health, agriculture, renewable energy, and climate justice. We are encouraged by the growing popularity of yoga and Ayurveda in Cyprus.

Cyprus is a preferred destination for Indian tourists as well. We shall work towards establishing direct air connectivity to facilitate their travel. We have resolved to expedite the finalisation of a Mobility Agreement.

Friends,

Within the European Union, Cyprus is our trusted partner. We extend our best wishes for Cyprus’s upcoming Presidency of the European Union next year. We are confident that, under your leadership, India-EU relations will reach new heights.

Both nations share common views on the need to reform the United Nations to make it more representative. We are grateful to Cyprus for its support of Bharat's bid for permanent membership in the UN Security Council.

We have expressed concern over ongoing conflicts in West Asia and Europe. The adverse impact of these conflicts is not limited to their respective regions alone. We both agree that this is not an era of war.

Dialogue and the restoration of stability are the calls of humanity. We also discussed enhancing connectivity with the Mediterranean region. We concur that the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor will pave the way for peace and prosperity in the region.

Honourable President,

I extend a cordial invitation to you to visit Bharat. I look forward to the opportunity of welcoming you to Bharat at the earliest.

Once again, I sincerely thank you for the exceptional hospitality and honour.